Introduction
Released by Capcom in 1991, Three Wonders is a unique arcade compilation that includes three distinct games in one cabinet: Midnight Wanderers, Chariot, and Don’t Pull. Each offers a completely different gameplay experience—run-and-gun platforming, horizontal shoot-’em-up, and tile-based puzzle action—all powered by Capcom’s CPS-1 hardware. The set showcases Capcom’s design range and technical polish in the early ’90s.
Development and History
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: 1991 (Japan and North America)
Developed during Capcom’s peak arcade era, Three Wonders was designed to offer variety and replay value in a single machine. Using the CPS-1 board, each game in the set features distinct gameplay mechanics, musical themes, and visual styles—yet they all share a common charm and attention to detail.
The collection became popular in arcades and is now widely appreciated as one of the most creative multi-game releases of the 16-bit era.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
1. Midnight Wanderers
- Genre: Side-scrolling action platformer
- Players: 1–2
- Gameplay: Players control Lou and Siva, armed with energy projectiles, battling fantasy creatures across vibrant, detailed levels.
- Features: Jumping, shooting, power-ups, and boss fights; often compared to Ghouls 'n Ghosts in tone and challenge.
2. Chariot
- Genre: Horizontal shooter
- Players: 1–2
- Gameplay: A direct sequel to Midnight Wanderers, with players flying on magical chariots through scrolling fantasy landscapes.
- Features: Weapon upgrades, magical spells, environmental hazards, and intense boss encounters.
3. Don’t Pull
- Genre: Puzzle action
- Players: 1–2
- Gameplay: A cute and colorful tile-pushing puzzle game where players eliminate enemies by sliding blocks into them.
- Features: Maze layouts, enemy traps, and fast-paced logic gameplay akin to Pengo.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
- Showcase of Variety: Few arcade machines offered this much genre diversity in one unit.
- Enduring Fanbase: Midnight Wanderers and Chariot in particular gained cult followings.
- Re-Releases: Included in Capcom Arcade Stadium 2 and other digital compilations.
- Influence: Inspired later developers to experiment with genre mash-ups and compilation formats.
Fun Facts
- Shared Characters: Lou and Siva appear in both Midnight Wanderers and Chariot.
- Easter Eggs: Don’t Pull features enemies from other Capcom games like SonSon.
- Unused Fourth Game: Early designs considered adding a fourth game to the set.
- High Visual Polish: The backgrounds in Chariot and Wanderers are considered among the best on CPS-1.
Conclusion
Three Wonders is a testament to Capcom’s creativity and arcade design talent in the early 1990s. Whether jumping through enchanted forests, flying through magical skies, or puzzling through adorable mazes, this three-in-one experience still holds up as one of the most charming and versatile arcade releases of its time.